Guide to upscale happy hours

There's no rhyme or reason to sacrifice atmosphere just to find affordable cocktails. In fact, cheap drinks and eats taste even better with sophisticated surroundings. We sipped from Del Mar to Downtown to find the best happy hours at DSD-approved bars and restaurants.

Flavor Del Mar: The fresh fare and sunlit setting make Flavor a top spot to try. Happy hour features $6 hand-crafted cocktails, $4 house wines, $3 Karl Strauss Endless Summer brews, and signature food items for $2-$8. Happy hour runs all day Sunday and Mondays, 4-7pm Tuesday to Saturday, and late night Friday and Saturdays from 9-11pm. Getting over a mid-week slump? On Wednesdays, drink half-off selected wines.

BICE: This elegant downtown ristorante is best known for sophisticated Italian cuisine served with a modern edge. The chic eatery serves a daily happy hour from 5-7pm, as well as a late-night happy hour from 9pm-midnight. Munch on shareable bites like fried green beans with a gorgonzola truffle sauce, roasted salmon wrapped in apple wood bacon, or the signature BICE lobster crispy ‘pizza.’ While you’re there, you may as well sip on some cocktails and BICE house.

Gaijin: The urban restaurant and lounge brings Asian-influenced cuisine to the downtown scene. While Chef Antonio Friscia’s yakitori grill and ramen noodles draw a devout following for dinner, it’s the sake and cocktails that give the restaurant its party swag. Score happy hour prices from 10:30pm-1am on Friday and Saturday nights with $5 sake bombs, $5 hot sake carafes, $3 Sapporo drafts and $2 carnitas bao.

JRDN: Tower23's signature restaurant hosts a regular happy hour Monday through Friday from 4-7pm, as well as a weekend happy hour from 6-9pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Featured on the weekend menu are $3 drafts, $4 well drinks and $5 select wines. Guests can also grub on small plates from Chef David Warner, including Steamed Mussels with chorizo, garlic chardonnay and herb butter.

Roppongi: Roppongi has taken a new approach to seafood, focusing on seasonal ingredients and inviting all to their La Jolla main room, sushi bar, lounge area or heated outdoor patio. Head in for a happy hour from 3-6pm every day of the week featuring half-priced tapas and $8 specialty drinks. Such sips include the Roppongi Martini, Spicy Thai Basil Sour, Asian Pear Shiso Julip, and Ginger Mojito.